NNSA Conducts Emergency Management Preparedness Training in Taiwan

Press Release

Dec 28, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) last week led two emergency preparedness courses in Taiwan. The courses included advanced training on the Spectral Advanced Radiological Computer System (SPARCS) and an International Training Course on Consequence Management (I-CM).

“The courses were a follow on to training conducted in Taiwan earlier this year,” said NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol. “This training continues to demonstrate NNSA’s commitment to the international community by emphasizing the importance of emergency response.”

The Advanced SPARCS training was held in partnership with the Atomic Energy Council and was conducted at the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research. A total of 26 individuals representing various agencies participated in the training on the multi-platform detection system for radiological emergency response.

The I-CM training was held for personnel working with radiation emergency response. The aim was to provide attendees with information and data on means and methods for setting up and establishing a monitoring and assessment program following a nuclear/radiological event. Participants received hands-on equipment training in techniques for monitoring as well as instruction in data collection and analysis. This training was attended by 41 participants representing various agencies and groups.

The SPARCS training was provided by personnel from NNSA and the Remote Sensing Lab (RSL) from Joint Base Andrews. The I-CM training was provided by personnel from the RSL, managed by National Security Technologies at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The RSL is a national leader in radiological emergency response, nuclear and radiological detection, and related technology and electronics development.

NNSA’s Office of Emergency Operations currently collaborates with more than 80 foreign governments and 10 international organizations with projects ranging from providing assistance to foreign governments in improving their emergency preparedness and response programs, to joint collaborative activities that improve emergency management infrastructure worldwide.

For more information on NNSA’s Office of Emergency Operations, click here.

Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.